Ellie's Reviews
All reviews by Ellie
TOP CONTRIBUTORTOP CONTRIBUTOR
108 reviews
House on the Prairie reject
This is the ugliest dress I have ever rented from RTR. “Large in the bust” does not begin to cover it - I thought surely buttons had fallen off. There’s ugly ruching my mom wouldn’t wear around the top that sinks into a V so wide and deep that my entire bra would be visible without a slip, which I needed anyway because it was a little sheer. The tiers of it make it completely shapeless and add at least 20 pounds to my frame. Waist who? I don’t know her. Looks easy breezy but hangs like a potato sack. I wore it because I had already ironed it and I had nothing else to wear that day, and thank God the office is fairly empty so nobody sees me in this embarrassment.
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Romantic Maxi Dress
Apiece Apart
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Pulls at buttons, belt looks like centipede
The colors are much prettier than they photograph on the site - it looks more blue and brown, but there's red and yellow in person. I just wanted to say a nice thing first. The delicate, summery fabric of this dress did not play well with the buttons, and as others have noted it pulled at them - unnecessarily. For me, it was more at the waist than the bust, but what was strange is the dress didn't feel tight and I wasn't anticipating gapping... I think the front center of the dress behind the buttons just needs to be reinforced with a thicker fabric. To wear it, I would have had to safety pin between about four of the buttons — and again, the fabric was so delicate I was afraid that would damage the garment, so definitely not worth the trouble and risk. I also did not like the belt. It looked like a centipede.
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Floral Midi Shirtdress
Derek Lam 10 Crosby x RTR
Size Worn: 40
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Belt was annoying
The belt has no holes or any other way to secure it. It would not stay sized to how tight I had pulled it - as soon as I sat or shifted or breathed, it began growing bigger, and the smooth fabric didn't help. It made for a frustrating and unflattering look when I stood up and the belt was gaping several inches away from my body, especially when paired with the narrow shoulders - which otherwise looked really flattering for my arms. If you rent it, be ready with a clear elastic ponytail band or something to keep it secure. You'll also need a strapless (or no) bra.
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Maxine Gingham Midi Dress
Milly
Size Worn: 4
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Flowy summertime perfection
In person the pattern is so much more beautiful, and it’s soft. Unlike many true wrap dresses, this worked with my small bust - normally I would have to pin it. Foot sticking out to show how long it is - if you are shorter than me, you’re going to want heels with this, as it nearly skims the ground in flats!
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La Vie En Rose Dress
BEL KAZAN
Size Worn: XS
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Looks more easy-breezy than it is
This seemed like a casual dress that could be worn out for brunch or to work. I liked the collar and how soft it was, and the length wasn’t a problem for me - but as other reviews have noted, the tightness at the bottom makes you walk like a penguin. The whole thing is very fitted, so what you wear underneath can be challenging and you can see lines pretty much anywhere. It didn’t really need more compression (there’s a compression layer underneath), but I wound up wearing Spanx because it was the only option I had on hand to avoid VPL. So between the waddling and multiple compression layers, I didn’t feel or look my best in this.
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Prosper Button Polo Maxi Dress
ROAM
Size Worn: SR
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Very versatile and comfy
Wore this with matching colors for work, but it would probably look even cuter with some baggy jeans and silver Nikes I have at home. It’s simple and cozy, and my only critique would be that it’s a little boxy.
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Esme Sweater Combo Top
Tanya Taylor
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Flight attendant chic
This was really cute for work; it gives retro flight attendant. The scarf/bow on mine isn’t long enough to wrap all the way around my neck and then tie like on the model, so I just tied it without wrapping but I didn’t even notice that was how it was supposed to be until I came to leave a review. I did have to retie it several times throughout the day, it comes undone pretty easily. Got this one new with tags and found it flattering and true to size, if not a tad big - it’s not super clingy, especially below the waist, where the fabric flares slightly.
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Sleeveless Midi Dress with Neck Tie
Toccin
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Love the bright florals
… and the fact that there is ruching on the side to give it some shape. They aren’t very obvious (no 90s ruched shirt vibes) but it will could be polarizing whether people like the dress tighter in the midsection area. One thing that is for sure is the dress is LONG: I didn’t wear with heels because of workout soreness and it is down to the ground on me. If I were shorter, heels would be a must.
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Angelica Dress
La DoubleJ
Size Worn: XSL
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Size down or risk sloppiness
I love the collar and cuffs and academic look of this - it has SO much potential. I want to nap with a cat in the library with it, because it is so soft and cozy. However, it is very very oversized. And I like an oversized look that makes you look chic and cute - but this sweater makes me look frumpy and adds at least 20 pounds when I turn sideways.
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Premium Cashmino Layered Polo
NAADAM
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
I don’t know how to play rugby…
But I sure love the shirts. This is the second one I have rented and I like it even more than the first. I love all the patches.
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Arther Varsity Knit Rugby Shirt
Sea New York
Size Worn: XS
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Rainbow horse girl
I wasn’t in the mood for heels at work, but the uber preppy vibes of this blazer lent themselves well to wearing with riding boots and a simple top. The colors in the blazer are beautiful - just pair it with neutrals and it shines on its own.
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Cutaway Dickey Jacket
Veronica Beard
Size Worn: 2
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
From work to date night
Really nice pattern, and I’m not really a pattern girly. Very comfortable - agree with another reviewer that it is thin, so I added a slip because I’m always cold, but I don’t think it would have been revealing or anything without. Got compliments from my husband, random people out and about, and a lady at work I’m pretty sure does not care for me, so the dress must be a winner!
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Brigitte Jersey Dress
L.K. Bennett
Size Worn: 4
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Ghost Baby
I didn’t experience quite the same fit issues as others - it fit well through the hips and I had no issues buttoning it. But the zipper bowed outward, creating a pooch where there wasn’t one due to the thick fabric, and the pocket linings hung out all the time and could not be tucked back in unless you put something heavy in them like an iPhone to weigh them down. I did like the pattern and the fabric for fall (which this is not, lol, but we just had a cold spell), and I liked the slit, which prevented it from being too stuffy. It does go pretty high, though, if you have long legs. Shorter gals shouldn’t have any troubles with this being too long and might actually find it more work appropriate.
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Maxine Skirt
Veronica Beard
Size Worn: 4
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Perfect Argyle sweater
This sweater is so soft and the grey, beige and black give you a lot of styling options. It’s also perfectly cropped - it’s not a “crop top,” if you have the right size your stomach shouldn’t show unless you have ultra-low rise pants on. It’s rare for me that a sweater ends exactly where it should with work pants, which for me are generally high or mid rise, and was pleasantly surprised with this one.
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Premium Cashmino Argyle Intarsia V Neck Sweater
NAADAM
Size Worn: XS
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Everyday is Wednesday
Don't be worried when you take the dress out of the bag. It looked small but it fit true to size and was flattering! The fabric was thick and hung well. I did wear shapewear because it's form-fitting around your midsection, but if you like how you look in sweater dresses, this is one to rent.
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Black Collared Knit Dress
Alexia Admor
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Sporty sexy, apparently
I got invited to a Heated Rivalry dance party the night before, and the dress code was "sporty sexy." Owning no merch from the show or hockey jerseys, I haphazardly threw this together with a pleated white mini skirt and sneakers. I got lots of compliments. Normally I would wear it with jeans. It has a lot of ornamental embroidery and people kept asking me what it meant - I genuinely don't know but that didn't prevent me from renting the other one RTR has in stock from this brand.
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Claira Embroidered Rugby Top
Sea New York
Size Worn: XS
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Made for martinis
What else was I supposed to do in this, go to church? It’s adorable, it fit well, it’s not too sheer with nude underneath, or you could go bolder with a black bra. 10/10 for cocktails.
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Mesh Long Sleeve Olive Printed Top
Terez
Size Worn: XS
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Risque but also matronly?
This fit beautifully - it is long and it made me look taller than I actually am and willowy, but for the shorter gals you're going to want a tall heel. There's a slip underneath it that is also mesh and a different floral pattern, which has a cool effect, but takes a minute to figure out how to put on, logistically. The arms and chest area are very sheer. It's an odd dress with the length and the sheerness; it's a bit risque and a bit matronly at the same time. This left me confused about what occasion it was meant for — for what it's worth, I threw a (non-sheer knee length) slip under it and wore it to a nice restaurant for a friend's dad's birthday.
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Paola Floral Maxi Dress
AFRM
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Not flattering
I love dove grey and this dress is so soft - and really not tight - but you can just see everything under it, especially in the abdomen and hip area. Including the long thin ribbons to hang it, the lines of your shapewear, your belly button (even under shapewear). I generally find sweater dresses very flattering, but this one does not make me look or feel my best.
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Faire Knit Turtleneck Midi Dress
BOSS
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
The perfect amount going on
I think this is probably a near universally flattering dress due to the ruched fit in the bust and abdomen that stops just above the belly and the puffed sleeves. Love a black and brown pattern because you can wear it with so many shoes and accessories!

Nancy Midi Dress
Cleobella
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Love this line
I'm not even to typically order the particular martinis pictured on the sweaters, but I love her line of cocktail sweaters and I would buy every single one if I could. I hope she just makes it her whole brand, seriously please keep going! Make me an old fashioned!

Cosmo Mockneck Sweater
Rachel Antonoff
Size Worn: XS
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Lots going on
I love the colors, truly gorgeous. The buttons and the frills are a lot. Together it's a little Mormon housewife core for me - it fit perfectly well but I think my body type (like Kibbe or Kitchener or what have you) and personal style suits things that don't have quite so much going on.

Printed Tie Waist Shirt Dress
Derek Lam 10 Crosby x RTR
Size Worn: 2
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Shiny bronze detail
Got compliments at work for this dress, which I didn't realize had a pretty shinny bronze detail that is pretty but confused me about whether it's a day or night dress. It's a little "older" than what I would wear on a date so I decided to wear it to the office, shiny or no. I think the fit is great, but agree with those it isn't meant to cling like a sweater dress. In my typical size it didn't, so I don't think there's a need to size up unless that's of specific concern for you.

Calloway Sweater Dress
Marie Oliver
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
David Byrne feel
I sized down for this but there is no way around it - if you are not ready to rock a Talking Heads Suit jacket, this is not for you. I wore it with a fitted navy turtleneck and navy jeans for a substitute teacher look, and I thought it was fun, but it takes a certain headspace (no pun intended).

Olivia Plaid Collarless Blazer
Sandro
Size Worn: 2
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Loving the return of the rugby shirts
I've been shamed out of wearing skinny pants for the past few years, but these called for black riding boots and tight pants to tuck into them for a preppy jockey look. I work on a college campus and they seemed fine with it, so I'm sure the internet influencers can cope.

Mirta Rugby Pullover
Claudie Pierlot
Size Worn: 1
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Fitted waist, big flare
Size up if you want to button this one - and with the double-breasted-ness and fit-and-flare of the waist and hips, it would have really benefitted from being able to button it. I can button it, but it's tight in the waist and shoulders for me, so buttoning it would give it an almost Elizabethan fit around my waist and butt - like a little peplum or skirt.
Member Fit Notes

Caden Blazer
Reformation
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Perfect for when you don't want to iron
Sweater dresses and tall boots have been my uniform for when I don't feel like ironing, and this one has the fun detail of being able to make it sexier at the top or bottom with the adjustable zipper. It wasn't overly clingy like some sweater dresses (no belly button dent), which I appreciated.

Janne Ribbed Two-Way Zip Sweater Dress
Modern Citizen
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Felt cool and professorial
I found this went best with jeans, slouchy with boots for after work and straight-leg with loafers for work, and a long camel coat. It's not scratchy and warm, but not too thick. I don't usually go for things that look like two garments sewn together, but the collar really works.

Jude Collared Sweater
Joe's Jeans
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
What fruit is this?
Comfy sweater, a little cropped - I liked the cute detail of the fruit, which I think (along with most other commenters) is a tomato but the description calls a strawberry. It looks less tomato-like in person than pictured, and my husband also questioned what it was supposed to be. The photo also makes it look like the tomato(?) had sequins, which it does not, but would have been adorable.

Embroidered Sweater
Stella Nova
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Stripes made it sweep grandiosely
This fit and hung well, the way the stripes grew bigger at the bottom created a nice illusion. As suggested I wore it with brown boots and a brown belt.

Male Chevron Stripe Knit Dress
Aldomartins
Size Worn: XS
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Odd proportions didn’t work
This had so much potential - it looked almost like a tux jacket and I liked the navy/black combo. But the navy was too dark, it looked more like mismatched blacks in many lights. So it didn’t really go with anything. And while I love an oversized Murphy Brown fit, I swam in this in weird ways: it was kind of short, broad shoulders, and had VERY LONG ARMS. I rented my usual size, and I’m not sure sizing down would help because of the overall blazer being rather short. It just has odd proportions.
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School Class Blazer
Stella Nova
Size Worn: 36
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Hot girls wear fish
I loved the sardine craze on clothes last summer and I’ve been on the “notify me when available” for this since RTR added it - now it’s the dead of winter, and I cared not that it has more of a Cape Cod vibe, I had to rent it. It is so cute with jeans, I also wore it with black pants and riding boots to work. It’s soft and eye-catching - preppy but quirky.
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Giada Sweater
Staud
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Give me all the warm sweaters
It’s been a rough winter. All I want are soft, bright, warm, thick sweaters. This delivers.
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Leo Sweater
Apparis
Size Worn: P-S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
There are better basics
Straight down the middle black dress in a less than luxurious fabric (neither scratchy nor particularly soft). I wore a knee-length spaghetti strap slip to deal with the sheer top, and I recommend that for anyone else wanting to wear to the office. It NEEDS accessories or it’s kind of boring, but belting it looks weird because the waist falls a little low.
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Drop Waist Midi Dress
Thakoon x RTR
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Fancy leprechaun
This would be a perfect skirt for St. Patrick’s Day (or the holidays) but I snapped it up the moment I saw it. Flattering, nice fabric, love the pleats, warm. A stranger told me it was beautiful. Rent it!
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Pleated Plaid Midi Skirt
PLAN C x RTR
Size Worn: 4
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
The sleeves had green ends
And it was warm. Otherwise it didn’t have a ton going for it and it kind of hung there. More of a bag dress than I was expecting, but some days you need that in your life.
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Colorblock Cuff Knit Midi Dress
PLAN C x RTR
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Conservative office vibes
If you work in a conservative office (like me), this is exactly what you’re looking for from RTR. The navy stripe accentuates your waist line. But I do think there’s a risk of it looking frumpy or unflattering because of the drop waist and potentially unforgiving knit fabric.
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Collared Pleated Knit Dress
Alexia Admor
Size Worn: M
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Preppy and soft
I wore this to work with black pants, and with jeans to go pick up my new afghan puppy (who is totally pulling focus in this photo). It’s versatile and made of a fabric that could be scratchy but isn’t. A little cropped - not meant for a mid- or low-rise.
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Short Sleeved Relaxed Polo Top
CeCe
Size Worn: S
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
NYE sparkle
Wore this to NYE and I can't believe we forgot a photo. Agree with those saying the fabric looks different in every room, sort of champagen and black woven together - gold heels seemed wrong, I went with a Calvin Klein heel in a color called "anthracite" that was more platinum. The fabric is thin and there's no option for a slip/shapewear, so nude no-show undies were the only solution I could find. It's not a dress to wear on a day you feel bloated, and while it had two options for how open the side was, the more "closed" option looked wacky and unflattering on me. It's possible I was just cinching it wrong though!
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Chloe Midi Dress
Significant Other
Size Worn: 4
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B
Needs belt loops
I am definitely not a curvy person, but these pants (I didn't rent the set, and didn't have the option to), were a little too snug in the hips and the thick material exaggerated the feeling. They looked cute in the mirror, but they were no fun to wear and especially to sit in. If I had sized up, I would have had a gap in the back - and with no belt loops, no way to fix the issue. I really liked the sparkles, but they would be a little much if I hadn't rented around the holidays.
Member Fit Notes

Sparkle Tweed Button Detail Pants
Toccin
Size Worn: 4
Usual Size: 4
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 125lbs
Bust: 34B